Tony Hilkin is a seasoned leader with over 25 years in the behavioral health field in St. Louis. Tony’s leadership is rooted in his clinical experience, particularly his passion for serving the unhoused. He oversees both Places for People and Preferred Family Healthcare to build on the strengths and services of each organization to have a greater impact on some of the most critical health issues facing clients in the greater St. Louis Region.

Tony began at Places for People (PFP) in 2008 as an intake and outreach worker before serving as the organization’s first Director of Quality Improvement. Over the years, Tony has played a key strategic role in PFP’s earning of federal grants related to homeless services, particularly in implementing data-driven frameworks and processes. Tony was instrumental in PFP’s becoming the first designated Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO) in the St. Louis region. In March of 2024, Tony was named Chief Executive Officer of Places for People and then named Regional President of Brightli’s Greater St. Louis Region in July of 2024. In his current roles, Hilkin will lead the collaboration between PFP and Preferred Family Healthcare to develop the vision and direction of the region, drive regional service excellence, create growth and capacity in behavioral health and primary care space, improve client access, and engage additional community partners.

Tony moved to St. Louis in 1997 and began working at St. Patrick Center, providing direct service to homeless men and women. Before PFP, Tony worked at a shelter for women and children in North St. Louis for eight years.

Tony graduated from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa in 1997, and earned his Master’s in Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri St. Louis in 2020.

I am constantly energized by our mission and values. We are committed to a higher social good for the St. Louis community. PFP has a positive and strong work culture that is invested in improving the lives of the people we serve.